YouthBuild Charter School of California (YCSC) is a project-based high school serving young people ages 16-24 who previously left or were pushed out of the traditional school system without a diploma. We work with YouthBuild programs to provide students with vocational training, counseling, leadership development and an education leading to a diploma. At YouthBuild Charter, young people rediscover a passion for learning after being pushed out, aged out, or failed by the traditional public school system. We offer young people the opportunity to re-engage and complete their high school education while becoming “ripples of hope” in their communities. With year-round enrollment at 17 YouthBuild programs throughout Southern California, we offer students a hands-on approach to learning, which strengthens their technical, academic, and leadership skills. This approach also helps students find ways to connect what they learn in the classroom to their lives outside of school and give back to their communities in the process. Our mission is to cultivate collaborative learning communities in which every student has the right to an authentic education, plays a meaningful role in creating positive social change, and becomes an active participant in working towards just conditions for all. Our vision is that all young people, regardless of their circumstances, have access to an education that will prepare them to counter social inequities and realize their full potential. Our school empowers young people to transform themselves and become leaders in their communities. Our school is a haven of trust and respect, where students can prepare for success in careers, post-secondary education and life.